Heather Larsen, one of the top female highliners in the world, crisscrossed her way over layers of history in an epic tightrope feat at the Tower of David on the morning of May 2.
Larsen rigged her own lines at the Jerusalem museum. The slackline reaching from one tower — built by King Herod some 2,000 years ago — to another — built by Suleiman the Magnificent 500 years ago — was roughly 98 feet high and 65 feet long.
Another line crossing the courtyard of the Tower of David was 111 feet long and nearly 66 feet high.
“Jerusalem is a place I never thought I would be visiting,” said Larsen, of Golden, Colorado. “When I think of crossing over the layers and layers of history, I feel very grateful. I have heard of these places growing up and it is an honor to be able to walk a line in the same locations I learned about as a child.”
The Jerusalem feat was the biggest highlining event in the Old City since Philippe Petit in 1987.
Larsen’s first visit to Israel was timed to coincide with the filming of a promotional film. Her walk over Jerusalem will be seen in Israeli-Swiss company Koala-Gear‘s Kickstarter campaign for its first product, the Joey backpack.
She also represents the U.S.-based slacklining industry.
“I’ve always enjoyed traveling outside of the U.S. to gain a better understanding of the world, to connect with people who have a different background than me, and to soak up a culture I’ve never experienced before,” Larsen said. “I know there is diverse landscape in the area as well and I am always open to an outdoor adventure to explore somewhere unique.”
Larsen has done slacklining tricks as high as 500 feet in the air.
During the Jerusalem walk (which naturally drew gawkers) she was tethered to the line — just in case.
Larsen also posted photos to Twitter of practice lines in Tel Aviv. A video of her walk can be viewed at www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.717382.
Reprinted with permission from Israel21c, www.israel21c.org